Livingston, Kentucky sits near the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest at approximately 1,132 feet elevation. Temperatures range from winter lows in the 20s to summer highs in the 80s, creating distinct camping seasons with spring and fall offering moderate conditions. The region's karst topography forms natural shelters and cave systems that influence local campground development and water drainage patterns.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground features several hiking trails with historical significance. "Beautiful scenic area. Great camping and hiking spot. Would definitely reccomened this place for great hiking. And the natural beauty makes the walking absolutely awesome," notes Dorothy T. The trails showcase Daniel Boone history, historic mills, and stone churches.
Water recreation activities: Grove Boat-In Campground provides direct lake access for kayaking and swimming. "My first experience to a boat in and did it all on my own! My boat was my kayak. I parked at the Grove marina and packed all I could on my kayak and headed to the sites," shares Emilee B. The campground requires water transportation to reach most sites.
Disc golf course: Pulaski County Park offers an extensive disc golf course across varied terrain. "The disc golf will take you on quite a hike and to another parking lot and trailhead totally outside the park," explains Shelly S. The course layout requires significant walking and provides views of Lake Cumberland.
What campers like
Seasonal swimming options: Levi Jackson campers appreciate summer water features. "It's open year around but in the summer season you can take a trail off of loop I that leads to the community pool to cool off," says Joanna H. The campground organizes summer activities including camper-only pool parties and site decoration contests.
Rustic campsites with modern amenities: Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA balances forest settings with conveniences. "This is an older KOA. Very well-maintained they are in the process of adding more spaces towards the back," reports Shelly S. The campground maintains reliable Wi-Fi strong enough for live streaming, unlike many rural locations.
Lake views and access: Waitsboro Campground sites face Lake Cumberland with unique positioning. "This campground is built between a steep hillside and the Cumberland River. Most sites don't offer much privacy, but the views of the river are so nice," writes Laura E. Sites 1-4 offer the closest water proximity but without direct shore access.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Campground shower and bathroom quality differs widely across the region. At Pulaski County Park, "Bathhouse showers are so outdated and barley cleaned and just gross, water source is old," warns Julie B. Bring shower shoes and consider bathroom proximity when selecting sites.
Some campgrounds have seasonal closures: Most facilities operate from April through October, with limited winter services. "Enjoyed this campground as a quick one night stop during the winter. I think it could seem crowded in the peak season when it is full," notes Marshall P. about Levi Jackson. Off-season camping often means fewer amenities but more privacy.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the hilly terrain require leveling equipment. "Spots were pull through so that was a plus. Pretty unlevel though. Bring lots of blocks," advises Travis S. Pack extra leveling blocks and wheel chocks for uneven terrain.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Levi Jackson State Park features multiple play areas. "The playgrounds were our favorite place to be as they have a pretty good choice of equipment," shares Alison C. The park includes both traditional playground equipment and natural play spaces.
Swimming areas for children: Pulaski County Park offers a beach area specifically for families. "This campground is in a great location. There's many places for kids to play, a basketball court, volleyball court, disk golf, and a small beach area," says Anna C. The swimming areas are typically monitored during peak season.
Mini-golf activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities for rainy days. "The putt putt course is okay, but needs to be cleaned more often," notes Alison C. about Levi Jackson. Most mini-golf areas charge separate fees ranging from $3-5 per person.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Many glamping facilities close to Livingston, Kentucky have tree canopy limitations. "Low branches and very tight turns. Some spaces were long," reports Bill B. about Laurel Lake Camping Resort. RVs longer than 35 feet should call ahead to confirm access routes.
Full hookup availability: Hookup options vary significantly between campgrounds. "We were in the H area. All the areas before H appeared to have sewer hookup but we didn't," explains Travis S. at Levi Jackson. Request specific utility requirements when booking as premium sites with full hookups fill quickly.
Navigation challenges: GPS directions to rural campgrounds are often unreliable. "Do not trust your navigation. Once you get off the interstate look for the KOA signs. Your navigation will take you in a completely different direction," warns Shelly S. about Corbin-Laurel Lake KOA. Download offline maps and follow campground-provided directions.
